(Morone saxatilis) Family Percichthyidae, Temperate basses

Common names: striper, linesider, rockfish, sea bass

Maine Guide Striped Bass Fishing

Description: Striped bass are dark olive green to steel blue on top, with silver colored sides and a white underbelly. Seven to eight dark stripes run longitudinally across their body giving them a distinctive appearance. Striped bass are usually three and one­/third times as long as they are deep. They have a long head, protruding lower jaw and a moderately forked tail fin. Their dorsal fins are separated, unlike the dorsal fins of white perch, which they resemble when they are young.

Where found: inshore

Similar Gulf of Maine species: white perch

Remarks: Striped bass are one of Maine’s most important saltwater gamefish, being renowned for their powerful fight and excellent flavor. Inhabiting shallow bays, rocky shores, coastal rivers and the surf line of barrier beaches, they can be caught anytime during daylight hours but seem to be most active between sunset and sunrise. Stripers will hit a variety of baits, lures and flies. Mackerel, eels, marine worms, herring and menhaden are commonly used baits. Proven lures include spoons, lead­headed jigs and surface and deep diving plugs.